With the Black Devils: A Soldier's World War II Account with the First Special Force and the 82nd Airborne (Schiffer Military History Book)

This book is basically a dedication to a family member who served in a commando unit during the war. It is not, however, a first person perspective, but a compilation of letters from the war wrapped around an author's narrative.The book was interesting mostly because it covered the First Special Services Force and because of its multi-national membership. They also had more than their fair share fights as they were basically treated as the European front's fire brigade.It has plenty of substance in the narratives, but sometimes falls short on details regarding specific operations. Again this is probably because the letters in this book were so heavily censored during the war. There is a good deal of information how and why this unit was started, trained and eventually, it explains what happened to the unit near the end of the war that allowed the writer's uncle to have served in both this unit and the 82nd airborne.What I would have liked to have read about was a more direct action, or description of the war, from the trooper's perspective. Perhaps if the book were written by himself, while not as modest, would have had more specific detail.None-the-less it's a good solid read on a unit that isn't covered much. In fact, most people probably have never heard of the unit, and it's pretty rare to read any history book that makes much mention of this rare and elusive unit that is the predecessor of the modern Special Forces unit.In fact, most people probably have never heard of the unit, and it's pretty rare to read any history book that mention of this rare and elusive unit that is the predecessor of the modern Special Forces unit.